DAY 4 - BANGKOK – RAILWAY MARKET & FLOATING MARKET    

Breakfast and pick up from hotel, we’ll journey about 75 miles west of Bangkok to Ratchaburi, set on the banks of the Mae Klong River. We begin with a stop at the amazing Railway Market to witness a train running through the middle of the market and then continue our day to Damnoen Saduak floating market, to take a paddleboat ride along the canal. Then, after a walking tour of the market, we’ll stop at a palm sugar workshop and coconut farm to see how this staple of Thai cuisine is made.

DAY 5 - BANGKOK– AYUTTHAYA

Breakfast and drive north to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, where the temples and ruins of this great city have now been declared a World Heritage Site. The principal sights are Wat Monkol Borpit, Wat Phra Srisanpetch and Wat Mahathat. 

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Continue trip to Bang Pa-In Palace and Wat Nivet Thammpravat, the gothic-inspired temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, see the summer palace, built by King Rama IV and the contrasting palace buildings and surrounding temples inspired by European, Chinese and Thai designs.

DAY 6 - BANGKOK - CHIANG RAI - GOLDEN TRIANGLE

Breakfast and transfer to Bangkok Airport for your flight to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival drive up to the golden triangle, a large geographic region including parts of Myanmar, Laos, and Northern Thailand.

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This region has infamy as one of the largest sources of opium production in the world, especially during the 2nd half of the 20th century. Begin your day with a cruise down the majestic Mekong River on board a traditional, hand-made, long-tail boat. Venture into the heart of the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos merge and take in the spectacular views as the three countries meet around the Mekong’s formidable shores.

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Next, visit the House Of Opium, where you will learn of the ancient history of humanity’s relationship with opium, the colonialism and global trade context of the opium wars, and the human impact of war, opium production, and consumption. In the evening, check-in at the 5* Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort.

DAY 7 – CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI 

Breakfast and proceed to Chiang Mai city with enroute visit to the temple of Wat Phra Rong Khun or better known as the  White Temple, a privately owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

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It is owned by Chalermchai Kositpipat, who designed, constructed, and opened  to visitors in 1997. After lunch on own expense, start your exploration of Chiang Mai (known as the ‘Rose of the North’) takes you to the highlight at Doi Suthep. Set on a hillside overlooking the city, it is often thought of as one of the two most important temples in Thailand.

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Enjoy the atmosphere that hovers over the temple and with the possibility of listening to the evening chants of the Buddhist monks. In the evening, check-in at the 5* Empress Premier Hotel.

DAY 8 – CHIANG MAI - HALF DAY ELEPHANT EXPERIENCE 

Breakfast and this morning we drive to Mae Tang District to visit Elephant Sanctuary, this is a real hands-on experience which is both educational and great fun. You will learn about Asian elephant life and observe their behavior and temperament in the park, learn how to cook healthy food for the elephants with your mahouts.

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You will feed them with the food you cook and walk them to the river where you will have the opportunity to bathe your elephant. In the afternoon, leisure time to explore the surroundings.

DAY 9 – CHIANG MAI - PHUKET

Breakfast and transfer to airport for your flight to Phuket. Upon arrival at Phuket Airport transfer to your 5* The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa. The rest of the day is free at leisure to explore your surroundings or simply rest and recuperate at the hotel.

DAY 10 - PHUKET CITY

Breakfast and proceed for tour of Phuket. Start by visiting Prom Thep Cape which is one of the most photographed locations in Phuket located at the island’s southernmost hill. Wind along Phuket’s southern shoreline, marvelling at white sands, lush tropical flora and the unique vibe of Patong, Karon, Kata and Rawai beaches.

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Then proceed in visiting Phuket’s Big Buddha, this is one of the island’s most important and revered landmarks. The huge image sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata and at 45 metres high it is easily seen from far away. After that, you will stop to visit the Chalong Temple, Phuket’s most beautiful and renowned monastery. It enshrines the gilt statues of monk-hero Luang Pho Chaem and his assistant Luang Pho.

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Both were much revered by local people because of their roles in quelling the miner rebellion in 1876. Next, you will proceed to Phuket Old Town. Today, the Old Town is a testament to Phuket’s history, but it’s also the island’s hipster heart, attracting artists and musicians in particular, which has led to noticeable gentrification.

DAY 11/12/13 - PHUKET

Breakfast at hotel and spend your days at leisure to explore Phuket on your own or enjoy one of the optional excursions in Phuket:

OPTIONAL Half-day: Thai Cooking Class with roundtrip shared transfer (SIC)
Discovering foreign cuisine is always a delightful experience, and you can take it to the next level by learning how to prepare the delicious local dishes. Through the famous Thai Cooking, everyone from beginners to veterans will learn something new about crafting authentic Thai cuisine.

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All participants will be provided with equipment and a recipe book to follow along in this class as well as ingredients which, if you choose the market tour option, you would be able to pick out for yourself with the guidance of the experts. Each day brings a different menu for you to cook, each one comprised of a soup and two main dishes. Learn how to cook authentic meals from the locals and earn the knowledge to bring your new found skills back home.

OPTIONAL Full-day: Coral & Racha Island by speedboat (SIC)
Meet with our driver then join the shared vehicle to the pier. Depart from Chalong Pier to Racha Island by speedboat. Enjoy snorkelling with a variety of corals and fish, either at ‘Kon Kae’ or ‘Siam bay’. Travel to Patok Bay on Racha Island. Relax and enjoy scenic bay view on the white sandy beach. Heading to Kahung beach (Coral Island), the place for exciting sea activities (pay on the spot). 

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Relax on the beach or choose from a range of Nikorn Marine’s exciting sea activities including scuba diving, sea walking, parasailing and banana boat (extra charge to be pay on the spot). Return to Phuket pier then you’ll be transferred by shared vehicle to hotel. 

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OPTIONAL Full-day: Phi Phi & Khai Island by speedboat (SIC)
Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the speedboat pier. Departure to Phi Phi Island by speed Catamaran boat. Arrive at the world-famous Maya Bay (sightseeing without stop), featured in the movie “The Beach” starring “Leonardo Dicaprio”. This beautiful white sand beach fringed by dramatic limestone chattering into Loh Samah Bay. Enjoy photo taking or snorkelling. Then, head to Phi Phi Lay precisely at Pileh Lagoon and enjoy swimming in this amazing natural pool, surrounded by cliff formations, otherwise known as the “Emerald Lagoon”.

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Sail along the “Viking Cave” before making another stop at “Monkey Beach” where you can again enjoy swimming and maybe see the wild monkeys on the beach. Continue to Koh Phi Phi Don for your lunch which will be served at a hotel restaurant. After lunch, you can enjoy a short walking around on the beach and shops on Phi Phi Don.

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Departure from Phi Phi Don to Khai Island for snorkelling over the beautiful coral reefs and colourful fishes or just relax on the beach. Return to Phuket pier and transfer back to your hotel. 

***Please note that the itinerary can be subject to change according to weather and tidal conditions.

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OPTIONAL Full-day: James Bond Island from Phuket by speedboat (SIC)
Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the pier. A light breakfast with coffee is available at the pier while you receive an introduction of the day ahead from the guide. Time to explore James Bond Island by speed boat. First stop is at Panak Island, where you will get your canoe and start exploring the cave. Enjoy the beauty of the bay. 

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Continue to James Bond Island or Khao Tapu and Khao Phing Kan. The island is famously known for the James Bond 007 movie “The Man with the Golden Gun” where it was filmed.  Lunch is served on another island, called Panyee Floating Village. After lunch, your guide will lead you to walk through the village allowing you to observe the locals living in the middle of the sea.

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Depart from Panyee Island to Naka Island known for its pristine white sand beach where you can relax and ‘Instagram’ yourself with some nice pictures. Depart from Naka Island return to Phuket pier. Transfer you back to hotel.  

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OPTIONAL EVENING: Siam Niramit Show & Dinner with roundtrip shared transfer (SIC)
Meet with our driver then join the shared vehicle to The Siam Niramit Phuket show, Enjoy a great introduction to Thailand’s culture through its history, religion, and festivals. The performance features music, dance routines and traditional martial arts.

DAY 14 - PHUKET

Breakfast at hotel and time at leisure.  Transfer to Phuket Airport for your departure flight.

DAY 15 - MALTA

Arrival in Malta.